Playing in Europe has helped me to play fearlessly, says Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

Playing in Europe has helped me to play fearlessly, says Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

SportsCafe Desk

By SportsCafe Desk, SportsCafe Editor

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Indian goal-keeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has revealed that playing in Europe against top sides has helped to become fearless against any opposition. He also stated that the team doesn't regret the draw as they played well collectively against China, ahead of the Asian Cup 2019.

India were successful in stopping China to a goalless draw in their own backyard creating history as a result. Sandhu stood like a wall for India throughout the game following which a tweet has gone viral - “China has Great Wall of China, India has Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.”

The 6ft goalkeeper has been the only Indian to play in the elite Europa League during his stint with Norwegian club Stabaek Football back in 2014. And he has been of the opinion that playing in Europe helped him to put more transformation on fitness and stamina.

“I can remain more focused now because of my fitness. I don’t get tired easily and hence my concentration level remains the same. Also I try to communicate with my defenders all the time, telling them which player is making a run and trying to take clever position. Earlier, there were talks about ability to keep out low balls. But I have worked on it too. Playing in Europe has helped me play fearlessly,” said Gurpreet, reported TOI.

What impressed was Sanhdu’s rock steady hands in the face of adversity. Whether the ball came loftily or in the form of powerful grounders, or close range shots, Sandhu saved them all. And he revealed that playing with a clear vision helped him remain composed under pressure.

“My plan was simple. I feel that we will always be underdogs when we play big teams. But I knew that if I don’t concede, we will still remain in the game and can have our chances. So I was prepared to save whatever comes my way. Playing with this uncluttered mind helped. I could take better decisions on the field and understand how a striker might come at me and how midfielder might thread a pass.” He said. 

Though the draw was hugely applauded by one and all, many were of the opinion that the Indians could have buried few goals to see the outcome differently. Sandhu stated that the team accepted the draw as a positive result who are now focusing on the preparations for the Asian Cup early 2019. 

“Ahead of the game, we thought that we need to make it difficult for China and can’t let them score freely. We managed to do that because we played as a team. Our defenders put their bodies on the line, midfielders came down to help our defence and we could maintain our shape. But we can’t go overboard with this result. The draw would surely help boost our confidence but we still need to work hard,” said Sandhu reported TOI.

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